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| Hedo Doc's Safe Sex Corner |
| Hedonism, swinging and safer sex! Useful information for playing safely in the swinging lifestyle. Original content and selected compilations. |
| So, what exactly is safe, or safer, sex in the swinging lifestyle?? Maybe a brief definition of "safer" sex is in order, so that we're all on the same page to start. Safer sex prevents, or at least minimizes, any sharing of high risk bodily fluids that may carry the HIV virus, or other sexually transmitted bugs. Semen, vaginal secretions, and blood are defined as high risk fluids because they potentially contain higher concentrations of such viruses. It is considered very high risk to have these fluids contact thin membrane areas(eyes,anus) or areas that have broken skin, like the vagina which tends to get microscopic abrasions or even visual breaks in the lining after hard or prolonged sex. Some viral (and bacterial) transmission can be prevented with condoms (e.g. HIV), some cannot(e.g. HPV). Interested? Read on...... Practicing "safer sex", especially in ways that don't take away from the heat of the moment is what these web pages cover. But in no way does this guarantee that one won't contract a sexually transmitted disease anyway. Life is all about choices, risks, desires and pleasures. This is all about maximizing hedonistic pleasures and minimizing medical risks. |
Hey, Condom Size Matters! Pay attention!
Most men have been there at one time or another. That moment when total sexual exhilaration turns to pure panic and fear...fear that the "little astronaut" out on his moon walk has lost his space suit. Fear that the knight is no longer wearing his shining armor. The number one reason that condoms break or slip off during the horizontal mambo is that the Johnson in question was not properly dressed. Like shoes or bras, careful consideration must be given to condom size. Yes, all men are created equal — but in very different shapes and sizes when it comes to the trouser department. And while it may not be the size of the wave that floats your boat, when it comes to choosing a condom, size does matter. Researchers Agree A recent survey by Durex Condoms revealed that the length of an erect penis can range from four to nine inches, while penis widths can vary from just over one inch to more than two inches. The Durex study also found that 50% of the almost 3,000 survey respondents felt that the condoms they regularly used did not fit properly; 25% said the condoms were "too tight," 10% said they were "much too tight," and 15% responded that the condoms were "too loose" or "much too loose." Not surprisingly, 42% of those surveyed indicated that condoms should be "better shaped." A whopping 44% of those surveyed reported they had experienced condom slippage or breakage problems in the past. The Durex study concluded, "Given the wide range of penis sizes and the relatively narrow range of condoms designed to fit them, it is perhaps unsurprising to find that 50% of respondents felt that the condoms they use did not fit them properly. The answers provided also indicate that condoms which don't fit properly are more likely to break during use..." Another study performed by La Trobe University in Australia examined the effect of penis dimension on the probability of complete condom slippage and/or condom breakage in actual use. A total of 3,658 condoms were used by 184 men. Over the course of the study, 16% of the men experienced at least one instance of breakage and 19% experienced complete slippage. The study concluded that condom breakage was strongly associated with penis circumference, particularly for men with above-average girth. In fact, each additional centimeter of penis circumference beyond the average 13.19 cm increased the risk of breakage by 50-100%. Like the Durex study, the researchers concluded, "This finding suggests a need to increase either the range of condom sizes currently available or the [girth] of currently available condoms." Erection Rejection It is no secret that many men dislike wearing condoms. Some Men say that condoms interfere with sex, "get in way," or "kill the mood." Most of the time however, these problems arise because the man has difficulty putting on the condom, or is concerned that the darn thing may slip off. If a condom is difficult to put on due to size issues, the little soldier may suddenly be unable to stand at attention. A survey conducted by the University of Sydney, Australia found that two-thirds of the men surveyed reported they "sometimes" or "often" lost their erection while trying to put on a condom. Of course without an erection, a condom is impossible to put on at all. While many men struggle to put on ill-fitting condoms that are too small, many others experience anxiety that the condom may slip off their slimmer girth. This anxiety can also interfere with the ability to keep the flag at full mast. Condoms that are too loose increase the odds of slippage or leakage. Paradoxically, one of the most common reasons condoms slip off is because they are too tight or too long — if not fully rolled down, the ring at the base can enter the man's partner and be dragged off. Condoms that are too short also increase the risk of exposure to STDs. When condoms are too tight, breakage and slippage is more likely to occur, and sensitivity can be significantly diminished. The reality is that condom size is very important. Unfortunately, unlike penises, most condoms around the world today are made in a very narrow range of sizes. In fact, the overwhelming majority of condoms do not refer to size at all, and simply are marketed as a "one size fits all" product. While a few companies like Trojan have shown some sensitivity to the size issue by producing some larger sized models, very few such products exist, and even fewer are available for those needing a snugger fit. Millions of men continue to struggle with the "one size fits all" mentality that the condom manufacturers apply to condom size, often leading to very unfortunate results. Given the inherent difficulties in measuring customers to ensure a more tailored condom fit, condom producers simply continue to force round pegs into square holes. Revolutionary New Condom is Custom Sized to Fit The one size fits all concept of condoms is about to change. A revolutionary new line of condoms that features 55 different sizes will now ensure that every man will have a condom that fits him properly. Backed by two patents in ten countries, They-Fit Condoms are available in a multitude of length and girth combinations. This new line offers sizes that go well beyond the limited range of sizes currently available, from three inches long to ten inches long, and from super slim to extra roomy. For the first time ever, condoms are being sold like shoes or bras. They-Fit Condoms protect both the wearer and his partner, reducing both risk and anxiety. "Men everywhere, regardless of their size, will finally be able to get a condom that fits properly in order to have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible," says Frank C. Sadlo, the inventor of They-Fit Condoms. Of course, comfort is what consumers will notice most of all about They-Fit Condoms. A custom "wrap" job for each man begins with the simple "Fit Kit," which can be downloaded from Condomania's Web site (link noted below). The "Fit Kit" enables a man (or even his enthusiastic partner) to quickly and easily measure his penis length and girth according to the Fit Kit's proprietary sizing chart, which then display's the appropriate custom condom size. The dozens of available sizes ensure that men of all shapes and sizes will be able to be dressed properly for their big events. Men need not worry how they measure up with the "Fit Kit"; the proprietary numbering system is not relative to actual size. Thus ordering a box of B88's is no more embarrassing than ordering a box of Z11's. According to Sadlo, "It is important to note that these numbers are not relative to other letters and numbers, so that no one will be self conscious about the size of the They Fit Condom they buy." Check out Condomania.com which is a pretty comprehensive online bet for whatever you desire in condoms, including the aforementioned They Fit line. Story by Adam Glickman |
| Spermicide May Actually Do More Harm Than Good Years ago it was thought that the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 that was added to condoms and sexual lubricants would help prevent both unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. After a decade of research it appears that while Nonoxynol-9 is fairly effecting at killing sperm, it is not effective in fighting the spread of STD's, including HIV. In fact, it may actually do more harm than good. The widely used spermicide Nonoxynol-9, long recommended as a way to stop the spread of AIDS, may actually increase the risk of catching the virus, at least among women who use it frequently, according to the surprising findings of a large study. As a result, health officials said condoms used solely to prevent disease should not be coated with Nonoxynol-9, although a condom with the spermicide is certainly safer than no condom at all. And they said the spermicide should also not be used for birth control by anyone at high risk of catching HIV. Nonoxynol-9 is widely used around the world for contraception, and about one-third of lubricated condoms sold in the United States are covered with it. Nonoxynol-9 is a detergent formulated to kill sperm, but in the test tube it also wipes out HIV, and many have long assumed it helps protect people from the virus. However, a study on prostitutes released at the 13th International AIDS Conference (1999) showed just the opposite: Women using a nonoxynol-9 gel increased their risk of contracting HIV rather than lowering it. "It is an understatement to say that we were extremely disappointed," said Dr. Lut Van Damme of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, the study's director. The researchers now assume that Nonoxynol-9, or N-9, increases the risk by irritating the vaginal lining, causing tears that give the virus a way to enter the body. Bottom Line: Unless you are using Nonoxynol-9 exclusively for the prevention of pregnancy and you are certain that you are not allergic or irritated by N-9, then the general suggestion is that you do not use condoms or lubricants that contain spermicide/Nonoxynol-9. |